Changes Already Made

The hours of the MIT Medical Department, including the Mental Health Service, have been extended to 7 p.m., four days per week.

Medical health liaisons have been assigned to all of the student living groups.

The Medical Department has extended its coverage to allow for unlimited outpatient psychotherapy visits for students, without any co-payment.

Major Findings of the Task Force

Demand for mental health services at MIT has been increasing: in 2000, the MIT Mental Health Service saw approximately 50% more students than in 1995.

The MIT Mental Health Service needs additional staff and resources to handle the current volume of students seeking care.

Some students are confused about the appropriate MIT contact for their particular situation.

The current system depends on students to recognize their own mental health needs, to actively seek out support services on campus, to use a health care system that operates primarily by appointment within standard business hours, and to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent needs.

Began meeting in November 2000 to examine accessibility, quality and perception of mental health support services on campus, including the MIT Mental Health Service, Counseling and Support Services, MIT's residential support network, and others.